Salted Brownie Cookies – The Ultimate Chewy & Fudgy Delight

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of brownies and cookies. Imagine the fudgiest brownie you’ve ever had—rich, deeply chocolatey, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. Now, imagine that in the form of a cookie, complete with a crackly top, chewy edges, and a touch of flaky sea salt for that perfect balance of sweet and salty. That’s exactly what these Salted Brownie Cookies deliver.

These cookies have a soft, gooey center, just like the best part of a freshly baked brownie, while the edges remain slightly crisp. The shiny, crackly top gives them that signature brownie look, and the addition of espresso powder (optional but highly recommended) enhances the chocolate flavor to make them taste even richer.

What makes these cookies even better is their simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a little patience while they bake to perfection. They come together in about 30 minutes from start to finish, making them the perfect treat when you’re craving chocolate but don’t want to commit to an entire pan of brownies.

These Salted Brownie Cookies are also perfect for gifting, holiday baking, or just a cozy night in with a cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re a chocolate lover, a brownie fanatic, or just someone who appreciates a really good cookie, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to love these Salted Brownie Cookies, but let’s break down the highlights:

• They’re the best of both worlds – If you can’t decide between brownies and cookies, these are the perfect solution. They have that rich, fudgy texture of a brownie but in an easy-to-eat cookie form.
• Incredible texture contrast – You get a crackly, glossy top, a soft and chewy center, and slightly crisp edges. Plus, the flaky sea salt on top adds a subtle crunch that enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Super easy to make – No need for chilling the dough, no complicated techniques—just mix, scoop, and bake.
• Perfectly balanced sweetness – The richness of dark chocolate is balanced with just the right amount of sugar, and the sea salt takes it over the top.
• Customizable – You can tweak this recipe to your liking by adding extra chocolate chips, a splash of espresso powder for depth, or even a handful of chopped nuts for crunch.
• Great for any occasion – Whether you need a quick dessert for a party, a thoughtful homemade gift, or just a little treat for yourself, these cookies fit the bill.

If you’re someone who loves rich, chocolatey desserts but doesn’t want something too complicated, this recipe is a must-try.

Health Benefits of These Cookies

While these Salted Brownie Cookies are definitely a treat, they do have a few ingredients that offer some nutritional benefits. Here’s what makes them a little more than just indulgence:

• Dark Chocolate Benefits – The semi-sweet or dark chocolate used in these cookies is rich in antioxidants, which help combat free radicals in the body. Dark chocolate is also known to improve heart health and boost brain function.
• Cocoa Powder – Cocoa is a natural source of flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties. It also contains magnesium, which supports muscle and nerve function.
• Eggs for Protein – The eggs in this recipe not only help with structure but also provide a good dose of protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins and choline.
• Sea Salt for Balance – Flaky sea salt is not just a garnish—it actually helps balance flavors and enhances the chocolate, making each bite more satisfying. Plus, it provides trace minerals that table salt lacks.

While these cookies are best enjoyed in moderation, knowing they have some redeeming qualities makes them even more enjoyable.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 12-15 cookies (depending on size)

Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximately)

• Calories: 180
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 9g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 2g

Ingredients List

To make these Salted Brownie Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs + 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional, but enhances chocolate flavor)
• Flaky sea salt for topping (optional but highly recommended)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and position your oven rack to the second level from the top. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the eggs, egg yolk, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes light and frothy (about 2-3 minutes).

4. Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring frequently until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the cocoa powder and espresso powder.

5. Combine Everything

Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Using a 1½ tablespoon cookie scoop, drop the dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 1½ inches apart.

7. Bake the Cookies

Bake for 8-10 minutes until the tops are shiny and slightly cracked. They should still be soft in the center.

8. Add Extra Chocolate Chips and Sea Salt

As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle with extra chocolate chips and a pinch of flaky sea salt.

9. Let Them Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.

How to Serve

• With a Glass of Milk – Classic and comforting.
• As an Ice Cream Sandwich – Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies.
• With Coffee or Tea – The slight bitterness of coffee pairs perfectly with these cookies.
• Drizzled with Chocolate or Caramel Sauce – For extra indulgence.

Pairing Suggestions

• Beverages: Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or a glass of cold almond milk.
• Fruits: Serve with fresh berries for a contrast in flavors.
• Dessert Spread: Include on a dessert board with truffles, macarons, and nuts.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a gooey texture.

Common Baking Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Baking can be unpredictable, but knowing what mistakes to avoid can make all the difference. First, make sure you’re measuring your ingredients correctly—using too much flour can make your cookies cakey instead of fudgy. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter, as this can make the cookies tough. Another common mistake is baking for too long. Brownie cookies should still be soft in the center when you take them out because they’ll continue setting as they cool. Lastly, using cold eggs straight from the fridge can prevent proper mixing, so always let them come to room temperature before starting.

The Science Behind the Crackly Top

If you’ve ever wondered what creates that beautiful, shiny, crackly top on these cookies, it all comes down to egg-sugar aeration and chocolate crystallization. When you beat the eggs and sugar together long enough, you incorporate air into the mixture, which helps create that delicate crust as the cookies bake. Meanwhile, melted chocolate, when combined with butter and cocoa powder, creates a thin layer on top that dries out just enough to form cracks. That’s why it’s important to mix thoroughly in the early stages but avoid overmixing once the dry ingredients are added.

How to Make This Recipe Your Own

This recipe is a fantastic base for countless variations. If you’re a fan of extra chocolate, mix in white or dark chocolate chunks. Want a spiced twist? A pinch of cinnamon or chili powder can add warmth and complexity. If you’re into nutty flavors, fold in some chopped hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts. You can also play around with extracts—almond extract adds a lovely depth, while a hint of peppermint extract gives these cookies a festive touch.

How to Get Bakery-Style Cookies at Home

Ever wonder why bakery cookies always look and taste amazing? The secret is ingredient quality and baking technique. First, use high-quality chocolate—it makes a huge difference in flavor. Second, don’t skip the room temperature eggs and make sure your butter is fully melted for the right texture. Also, chilling the dough for just 15-20 minutes before baking can enhance the depth of flavor. Lastly, for that perfectly round, bakery-style look, use a round cookie cutter or glass to swirl around the edges of the cookies immediately after baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?

Yes, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and contains more milk solids, which may slightly alter the texture. If you prefer a darker, richer flavor, stick with semi-sweet or dark chocolate.

Why didn’t my cookies develop a crackly top?

This happens if the eggs and sugar aren’t beaten long enough. Whisking them until they’re frothy creates the signature brownie-like crackly top. Also, make sure not to overmix once you add the dry ingredients.

How do I make these cookies chewier?

For extra chewiness, slightly underbake the cookies by removing them from the oven when the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to set as they cool.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.

What’s the best way to store these cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, freeze them and thaw at room temperature before eating.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before scooping and baking.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even peanut butter chips would be delicious additions. Just fold them in when mixing the dough.

Conclusion & Call to Action

These Salted Brownie Cookies are everything you love about brownies and cookies in one bite. Try them today, and let me know how they turn out!

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